Innovate UK pledges support to next phase of Made Here Now

By Alison Grange

Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency that drives science and technology advances to grow the economy, has agreed to be a sponsor for the next phase of Made Here Now.

The organisation, which aims to keep the UK globally competitive through supporting and funding innovation, has pledged a substantial sum which Made Here Now will be using to further advance the initiative’s aims of encouraging more young people into manufacturing as a rewarding career.

Steve Adams, project director for Made Here Now, says: “I am delighted that Innovate UK has shown such confidence in our initiative and want to pledge this support as we make further advances in helping young people access exciting careers in manufacturing as well as encourage innovation in the sector.

“To have such a key player in the UK technology sector back our project confirms that we are already achieving growing awareness of the need to ensure UK manufacturing remains at the cutting edge globally as well as staying competitive.

“With Brexit looming, this will become even more important for the sector and we will now be working with Innovate UK, other sponsors as well as Design and Technology teachers to ensure more young people know about careers in manufacturing and how to access so the right talent is attracted to the sector for the future,” he added.

Phase Two of Made Here Now has already seen a new website developed which features a wealth of case studies, videos and photographs all aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Robin Wilson, Innovation Lead – High Value Manufacturing at Innovate UK, said: “We have been impressed with the success Made Here Now has already achieved and are delighted to be able to further support the initiative.

“Innovate UK enjoys close links with both the education and manufacturing sectors as well as a deep relationship with government policy so we are looking forward to working with Made Here Now to develop strategies that will support our aim to further grow the UK economy.

“There is now more focus than ever on the UK being competitive following the decision to leave the EU and I believe Made Here Now can support us in ensuring this remains the case, particularly by raising the profile of the manufacturing sector,” he added.

Made Here Now is always seeking new supporters so if you are interested then please contact Peter Marsh via email peter.marsh@madeherenow.com